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The Mary Ward Centre, the Ministry for Social Justice, Peace, and Creation Care (Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto), and the Office for Systemic Justice (Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph of Canada), have worked together to prepare a civil society report concerning Canada's progress on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our report provides an ‘on the ground’ perspective of how Canada is achieving the SDGs. It is informed by current policies, research, and the experience of frontline and grassroots organizations, including the voices of youth aged 13 to 29 years. Using intersectional and equity lenses, we are attentive to the voices of people who were among those most impacted by pandemic disruptions, seeking to learn from their experiences and insights. These experiences point to troublesome patterns found in intersections between SDG 1 (poverty), SDG 3 (good health and wellbeing), SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 8 (decent work), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), and SDG 11 (infrastructure – housing). Our report also argues that climate change has had, and will continue to have, similarly disruptive impacts on individual lives, society, and the economy. These parallels impel us to learn lessons from the pandemic so that we might respond more effectively and fairly to the climate crisis. A copy of our report is available below. The collaborative team are actively advocating at the UN High Level Political Forum in New York City (July 10-20) to ensure the voices of those most at risk of being left behind are included in conversations and action on the SDGs. Read the Report

The Canadian government just released its progress report on Sustainable Development Goals. It is available on the UN website. Eva Rodriguez-Diaz and Sarah Rudolph ibvm - at the Mary Ward Centre - have been working on a civil society report with the CSJs of Toronto and Canadian Federation. They have also been liaising with the federal government and responded to a request for input into the Canadian review. We are delighted to say that among the many pieces of input they provided, the 2023 Report included a description of the work the Mary Ward Centre is doing on the prevention of human trafficking, particularly the human trafficking radio programs. We are very proud of the work that Eva has been doing and are delighted that it has been noticed by the federal government and is being given as an example of the work of civil society to help achieve the SDGs.

Presentation Manor is a retirement residence where our senior Sisters live. They are active in many different pursuits and provide support to others in the community and beyond. Find out more about this community by reading A glimpse into the lives of our Sisters living at Presentation Manor

Hope for the Earth Hope for Humanity Laudato Si’ Week 2023 will be celebrated May 21-28 with the film “The Letter” to mark the 8th anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on care for creation. This global celebration will unite Catholics to rejoice in the progress we have made in bringing Laudato Si’ to life, and show how Laudato Si heroes of “The Letter” are already doing so. The Mary Ward Centre, Toronto is hosting a screening event of "The Letter" on May 25, 2023. Details and registration can be found here. And we encourage you to download the Mary Ward JPIC Reflections booklet for Laudato Si' week 2023.

Pentecost is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace.

A shocking discovery headlined the news recently. 13 victims of human trafficking were rescued by the Ontario Police in Peel Region. Another instance that highlights the problem in Canada and Ontario as hosts of the crime of human trafficking. Yes, human trafficking is happening in Canada – in our backyards and around the corner. This reality is uncomfortable for many people in different ways. It is not pleasant to discover that this is happening here. We normalize that human trafficking occurs in other places, in poor regions, in undeveloped countries where people are less civilized. Yesterday someone commented to me that the most annoying thing is that the police are regarded as the savior. «The police rescued» the media says and the police are applauded for a job well done. What bothers me is that the media looks at the status of people after the fact. The four news articles I read yesterday describe the general facts, emphasizing the trafficking survivors’ immigration status. Excuse me! We are talking about victims of a crime. We are talking about 13 people who experienced the crime of human trafficking. Thirteen people who suffered deprivation of liberty, mobility, personal autonomy and agency. These people were essentially kidnapped, held captive, exploited at work, and in some cases, killed. The media never referred to this reality, never investigated the duration these people have been living in situations of slavery, or the kind of degrading treatment they had to endure. Nor was it questioned how thirteen people could have been kidnapped and forced to live in those conditions without the authorities noticing. The media does not not address the human rights violations that have occurred or about the conditions of degradation of these people. Nor the ability of these criminals to manoeuvre within the Canadian landscape. Why? Because they are not Canadian? Is this why the question that is asked about these people is what is their immigration status? Human trafficking is a recognized crime throughout the world and in Canada. The United Nations approved the Palermo Protocol in 2000, which was signed by Canada in 2002. The Canadian Penal Code punishes and contains measures to prevent and prosecute the commission of the crime of human trafficking. The primary responsibility for preventing human trafficking falls to the Government of Canada. Provincial governments and local police also play a role in crime prevention. Criminal activity is complex. It is possible to evade authorities and hide activities. Therefore, the secondary response, in the event of criminal activity, is the apprehension and prosecution of criminals by local police. This should not be the first response of the police. It should be a secondary response to compensate for their negligence in the fulfillment of the first police function: to protect people. Governments and the police are accountable for their actions or omissions. Human trafficking is a clear violation of human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes that human rights are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace (UN, 2003). When a human rights violation occurs, the government is responsible for responding to the victims and the restitution of their rights. These two conditions are a priority. In this recent case of human trafficking, the priority should be the thirteen victims who “suffered harm as result of the commission of any crime” (International Criminal Court). It is critical that these survivors of human trafficking receive preferential attention: protection, rehabilitation, and physical and psychological support so that the restitution of their violated rights is achieved. It is also critical that the criminals are captured and punished. After these two conditions have been met, then it is fair to discuss the immigration status of these people and to give them the option to decide to remain in Canada or to return to their country of origin. When a government puts the condition of immigration status before the condition of victim who has suffered harm, it causes additional harm. In this situation, as in others that have occurred previously, it is necessary to first prioritize the protection of human rights, second, the protection of the person as a victim and the restoration of their rights. Only in doing so will the human rights commitments that Canada has signed and has committed to fulfill be realized. Only then will Canada be recognized as a country that truly recognizes, respects and protects human rights and human dignity in the global fight against the terrible crime of human trafficking. Eva Rodriguez-Diaz Manager of education and prevention of Human Trafficking at the Mary Ward Centre

A new chapter in the life of the Loretto Sisters in Canada begins May 1, 2023, as the university assumes the management and operation of Loretto College women’s residence. The Loretto Sisters (Institute for the Blessed Virgin Mary, IBVM) built and have operated the residence, located at 70 St. Mary Street on the northern edge of campus, since it opened its doors in 1959. While affiliated with St. Michael’s, residence services were offered by the IBVM rather than via St. Michael’s residence office. But Sr. Evanne Hunter, IBVM, says the time has come for St. Michael’s to assume oversight in order to secure the future of a women’s residence on campus, as well as to preserve the IBVM’s long legacy at the university. “The Loretto Sisters have had a presence on the St. Michael’s campus for more than 100 years as professors, administrators, and as mentors,” Sr. Evanne says. “As the nature of community life changes for us, we are confident that selling institutional rights to the University of St. Michael’s College is the most logical way forward. With only four Sisters now living in Loretto College, it makes sense for St. Michael’s to take over operating Loretto College, a move which also allows St. Mike’s the opportunity to offer the option of a women’s-only residence.” Knowing that St Michael’s appreciates the history of Loretto and is committing to ensure that the legacy continues is a comfort to us as we make this difficult decision.” Loretto College staff have all been offered positions at St. Michael’s or have opted to receive a buy-out package, she says. Under the agreement, St. Michael’s has purchased the institutional rights to the residence and will manage four floors of residence rooms, with more than 100 residence beds. The residence will be managed and operated by the University’s Deans of Students’ Office and the University’s Facilities team. The four Sisters living in the building will remain in residence, and the Regional Offices of IBVM in Canada will continue to be located at Loretto College. The Loretto Sisters will continue to operate the Mary Ward Centre for Education Spirituality and Justice, which hosts a variety of educational social justice programming. The Jesuit Forum for Faith and Social Justice and the Canadian Jesuits International will remain at Loretto College. The enhanced partnership with the Mary Ward Centre is just one of the many ways the new arrangement is both beneficial and also reflective of the ongoing nature of the positive relationship between St. Michael’s and the Loretto Sisters, says University President David Sylvester. “It is an honour for St. Michael’s to be entrusted with carrying the historic IBVM legacy forward, and extending and enhancing our partnership with the Mary Ward Centre will provide students with new opportunities to integrate faith and spirituality into their lives and the lives of the community,” Sylvester says. “The Loretto Sisters’ living legacy continues to support St. Mike’s commitment in our 180 strategic plan to build a welcoming community where people want to live, study, work, and visit.” The Mary Ward Centre will develop programming in collaboration with the Loretto Sisters, the Sisters of St. Joseph, Regis College and the University of St. Michael’s College. The centre has co-sponsored many recent events with St. Michael’s, including a discussion circle on Indigenous issues and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as a Festival of Girls and Women, honouring the impact of the Loretto Sisters and the Sisters of St. Joseph in empowering women and girls to be agents of change.

On April 22, we celebrate our earth. Each year, the Earth Day campaign aims to raise awareness among organizations and people across our country to encourage a commitment to the environment. Now more than ever we need to protect our home. Find out how you can take action

He Is risen! Alleluia! Let us celebrate the gift of new life!

Jesus we bring ourselves to you today, knowing that in just a few days we will enter into our Church’s most sacred time, the celebration of your Paschal Mystery. We believe in your saving grace, Lord, and are here because you have called us to new life in you. We line the streets of Jerusalem, waving palms and rejoicing in your triumphant message of hope, love, and redemption. We keep watch with you in the garden where you will be betrayed and condemned to death. With compassion we wipe your face and walk with you to the cross, where you will be mocked and crucified. In sorrow, we look on from a distance as you are placed in the tomb. Lord, while we linger these next few days on your suffering, help us to remember that many in our world continue to suffer without hope. So many still hunger and thirst for your peace. While many of us have found in you what sustains and nourishes us, what fills our wells and waters our fields, there are still many among us who are broken, afraid, who feel alone, and who need the gentle hands of human kindness. And so it is with gratitude and humility that we thank you for these last few days of Lent. May they be a time of letting go and opening ourselves to the promises and beauty of Resurrection at Easter, when we arrive at the tomb and find it empty. With rejoicing in our hearts made new, gather us around that glorious vigil fire, help us to be bold and courageous, give us the strength we need to share your water, light, and life with those who need it most. AMEN ~ Rebecca Board Liljenstolpe Watch The Stations of the Cross according to St Matthew

John 11:17-44 Cast of Characters Jesus Martha Mary The Crowd Lazarus The Disciples Read the Gospel – who are you in the story? Which character is the most challenging for you? Why? Suggestions for Reflection: “I am the Resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me even if they die, will live and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” This is the question posed to us by the Lord. How do I answer? “Unbind him and let him go free.” What are those fears, attitudes, addictions from which we need the Lord to free us by raising us up? Do I believe that whatever seems dead in me—my faith, my perspective, my waning hope, my ability to love—can be brought back to life by the power of Jesus Christ at work in me? This is our last chance–the last week of Lent. What will you bring to the cross? Close your eyes and hold this burden in the palm of your hand. Contemplate for just one moment what you’re trading it in for, if you’re ready to let go. Watch I am the Bread of Life

The story behind the hymn "Amazing Grace" Written almost two and a half centuries ago in 1772, the words for the beloved song were borne from the heart, mind and experiences of the Englishman John Newton. Abandoned by his crew in West Africa, he was forced to be a servant to a slave trader but was eventually rescued. On the return voyage to England, a violent storm hit and almost sank the ship, prompting Newton to begin his spiritual conversion as he cried out to God to save them from the storm. Upon his return, however, Newton became a slave ship master and admitted to treating those slaves abhorrently. In 1754, after becoming violently ill on a sea voyage, Newton abandoned his life as a slave trader, the slave trade and wholeheartedly devoting his life to God's service. He was ordained as an Anglican priest in 1764 and became popular hymn writer. Among them was the great "Amazing Grace. In later years, Newton fought alongside William Wilberforce, leader of the parliamentary campaign to abolish the African slave trade. He described the horrors of the slave trade in a tract he wrote supporting the campaign and lived to see the British passage of the Slave Trade Act 1807. And now, we see how lyrics like: I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind but now I see. and Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come. 'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home. carry a much deeper meaning than a sinner's mere gratitude. Close to death at various times and blind to reality at others, Newton would most assuredly not have written "Amazing Grace" if not for his tumultuous past. And many of us would then be without these words that so aptly describe our own relationship with Christ and our reliance on God's grace in our lives: 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed. Excerpt from: Steve Turner's Amazing Grace: The Story of America's Most Beloved Song 2018 Listen to the Freedom Trilogy - Paul Halley with Theresa Thomason Watch Amazing Grace - The Canadian Tenors